Forum Groningen opens to fanfare: but what do visitors really think?

It was very busy on Monday, in the new library in Forum Groningen. Many students, including many international students, had sought and found a place in the Forum. The study places, spread throughout the entire building, have been available since 1 December.

The expectation was that they would not be used intensively until a month later: the next exam period is at the end of January. But students (perhaps due to the closure of other Forum buildings) have taken to the new space very quickly.

The student desktops are equipped with WiFi and power points and are available during the normal opening hours of the Forum, they are more spacious than at the previous location, too.

But how have students really taken to the new space? Jasmine, from the UK, commented: “It looks incredible but it’s a bit like studying in an airport. It’s a very industrial feel, not quiet or cosy like before.”

Most agree that the design is exceptional; German student Luise said: “I really liked making my way up the building, every floor has a different feel to it and the view from the roof terrace is amazing to top the experience off.”

Kristiana, from Italy, thought the new building to be an icon for the city: “I think the Forum was what this city needed to be complete as a student city. It is a good environment, and can bring young people together with its multiple interesting options.”

50,000th visitor

The 50,000th visitor entered the Forum on Tuesday, around noon, and was greeted by Hans Poll, Director of Marketing and Programming. They received five free tickets as a congratulations from the Forum.

Due to the many functions in the building, the new Forum Groningen is open daily from early to late.
Of the approximately 300 study places, 178 are reserved for students from Hanze University of Applied Sciences.

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